St. Mary Campground

4.16

687 reviews

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Great HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Glacier National Park Glacier

Quick Facts

4,570 ft

Price

$8 - $90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

231 campsites

Season

Open May 2025; reser...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Glacier National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,570 ft

Price

$8 - $90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

231 campsites

Season

Open May 2025; reser...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Glacier National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

St. Mary Campground

$8.00 - $90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $8 per person for tent-only sites to $90 for group sites. Standard nonelectric sites are $30 per night. Discounts are available for...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$90.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-732-7708

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 687 reviews

180 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomslocation

Some mention

crowdedsmall

"Campers appreciate the campground's proximity to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and visitor center. However, issues cited include a lack of shade, poorly maintained facilities, and overcrowding in peak season."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

St. Mary Campground

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Driving directionsLocated a half-mile west of the St. Mary entrance near St. Mary, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 89 approximately 33 miles northwest of Browning, Montana, or over Logan Pass when open. Vehicle restrictions are in effect.

Access is from a major highway (U.S. Highway 89), and Logan Pass provides additional access when open. Vehicle restrictions apply, including limits on vehicle length and width.

Nearby places

St. Mary (half-mile, walking distance), Browning (33 miles northwest, approximately 40 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available a couple of miles down the road outside the park, including restaurants, gift shops, camp stores, gas stations, and groceries.

Best Time to Camp at St. Mary Campground

Mother Nature keeps things interesting at St. Mary, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer brings those perfect bluebird days that make memories, with warm sunshine and crystal-clear skies ideal for exploration. But the mountains have moods – powerful winds can sweep through the valley, and afternoon thunderstorms occasionally rumble overhead, sometimes bringing dramatic flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. Spring and fall visitors should pack layers, as temperatures can swing from crisp mornings to pleasant afternoons, with rain always a possibility in this dynamic ecosystem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer offers bluebird days and access to park highlights but also overcrowding and long shower lines.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Top 3% in MT

Aspens 'burst into golden flames' and shoulder crowds are lower—excellent fall photography.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Shoulder season is less crowded but can be cold and some facilities may be closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter/snow; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 20, 2025 to August 10, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2025; reservations start June 20, 2025, and end on August 10, 2025.
Current Alerts: Park closures during construction in Many Glacier from July 1 to September 21, 2025.

About St. Mary Campground

Welcome to St. Mary Campground, where the majesty of Glacier National Park's eastern wilderness unfolds before you. As the largest campground on the park's east side, this beloved basecamp puts you at the doorstep of the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, opening up a world of alpine adventures. From here, pristine hiking trails beckon, breathtaking vistas await around every corner, and fascinating interpretive programs bring the park's stories to life. For those traveling with RVs, loops B and C welcome generator use, ensuring comfort meets convenience in this mountain paradise.

St. Mary Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Sites are primarily non-electric and designed for a more rustic experience.

Historical SignificanceSt. Mary Campground sits at a remarkable cultural crossroads where ancient traditions meet pristine wilderness. Just beyond the park boundaries lies the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, home to a proud people whose ancestors have called these mountains sacred for countless generations. Immerse yourself in this rich heritage at the Museum of the Plains Indian in nearby Browning, Montana, where artifacts and stories paint a vivid picture of life on the Northern Plains. For international adventurers, the stunning Waterton Lakes National Park awaits just across the Canadian border, creating a unique opportunity to experience two nations' crown jewels in one unforgettable journey.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps things interesting at St. Mary, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer brings those perfect bluebird days that make memories, with warm sunshine and crystal-clear skies ideal for exploration. But the mountains have moods – powerful winds can sweep through the valley, and afternoon thunderstorms occasionally rumble overhead, sometimes bringing dramatic flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. Spring and fall visitors should pack layers, as temperatures can swing from crisp mornings to pleasant afternoons, with rain always a possibility in this dynamic ecosystem.

ElevationElevation information unavailable.

Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a canopy of quaking aspens that dance in the mountain breeze, St. Mary Campground offers a front-row seat to some of Glacier's most dramatic scenery. These graceful trees, though providing modest shade, burst into golden flames each autumn, creating a photographer's paradise. But it's the surrounding peaks that steal the show – the distinctive profiles of Singleshot, East Flattop, and Red Eagle Mountains rise like ancient sentinels, their rocky faces catching the alpenglow at sunrise and sunset in a daily spectacle that never grows old.

Geological RegionPerched in Glacier National Park's spectacular eastern reaches, St. Mary Campground serves as your gateway to a geological wonderland millions of years in the making. The campground's dramatic backdrop tells an ancient story written in stone – Singleshot, East Flattop, and Red Eagle Mountains tower overhead, their layered cliffs revealing epochs of Earth's history. From this strategic location along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, you're perfectly positioned to explore the park's eastern valleys, where glacial forces have carved a landscape of breathtaking beauty and raw, untamed wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After hours arrival allowed
tags will be on site posts.

Check-out

Check-out by 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

14 nights during any single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 2 tents and multiple vehicles depending on site size.

Groups

Group sites are positioned on the edge of the campground, offering some seclusion and proximity to bathroom facilities. Each site includes multiple picnic tables and a fire pit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground is organized into loops (A, B, and C). Loops have varying features: Loop A offers privacy and shade, while Loop C is preferred for views.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites revert to first-come, first-served availability after the reservation period ends.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the day of check-in. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations incur a charge equal to the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground includes ADA-accessible sites, though some reviews describe these sites as poorly designed, lacking privacy, and resembling parking lots.

Site SizeSites vary in size; some are described as small and not suitable for larger RVs or trailers.

PrivacyMany sites lack privacy due to sparse vegetation and close proximity to neighbors. Some areas have more trees providing shade and seclusion.

Total Campsites231 campsites

Recommended SitesResearch sites prior to booking. Loop C offers privacy and views; Loop A has shade and proximity to the river.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Food storage lockers

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor activities around the St. Mary Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger programs. The campground is conveniently located near the Going-to-the-Sun Road, providing access to trails and scenic views.

HikingNumerous high-elevation trails are accessible from the campground, reducing the ascent required to reach scenic vistas. Popular hikes include St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include bears, moose, and deer. Campers are advised to follow strict food storage regulations to prevent bear encounters.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led evening programs are highly praised, with topics ranging from grizzly safety to astronomy.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity requires heightened food storage vigilance. Wind is a significant concern, especially for tent campers. Flash floods and uneven sites pose additional challenges.

Active AlertsPark closures during construction in Many Glacier from July 1 to September 21, 2025.

Food Storage RequiredShared bear-proof food storage lockers are available near bathrooms. Some reviewers noted inadequate quantity of lockers per site.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood must be locally sourced and burned on-site to prevent pest spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced; specifics unavailable.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include the St. Mary Visitor Center (half-mile) and hospitals in Browning, Montana (approximately 40 minutes by car).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided. Some reviewers noted that dumpsters were occasionally overfilled during peak times.

Water FeaturesSt. Mary Lake provides scenic views but is unsuitable for swimming due to cold temperatures and rough conditions.

Camp HostHosts are generally helpful but may be absent during certain times. Noted for enforcing food safety regulations.

Weather at St. Mary Campground

Reviews

4.2

687 reviews

Satisfactory

St. Mary Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers appreciate the campground's proximity to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and visitor center. However, issues cited include a lack of shade, poorly maintained facilities, and overcrowding in peak season.

Review Summaries

Based on 687 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include excellent location, breathtaking mountain views, clean restrooms, and engaging ranger programs. Some noted good cell service as a bonus.

Based on 687 reviews

Common Concerns

Repeated complaints focus on limited and often non-operational shower facilities, long queues for showers, lack of shade, high winds, and proximity of campsites leading to noise and lack of privacy.

Based on 687 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra soap, toilet paper, and bug spray. Prepare for high winds and limited tree cover. Early arrival is advised to avoid traffic and ensure access to amenities.

Based on 687 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight overcrowding and long waits for showers but praise the campground's access to park highlights. Shoulder seasons are less crowded but may feature closed facilities and cold...

Based on 687 reviews